Got the basement back!

Isn't it a good feeling when something is clean and there is no clutter?!?!

Well, for this gal... it's a HUGE sigh of relief.  I am the type of person who has a place for everything.  Clutter give me panic attacks.  Okay, maybe not that severe of a reaction, but pretty darn close. When the boys were young I think my husband was ready to have me committed because I had to have all the dishes done, laundry folded and toys put away before we went to bed.  

It's been almost one year since Zachary left for college. Our basement was the place he and his friends hung out... you know.. where the big screen TV is...

All I can say is thank goodness it was in the basement and I didn't have to look at it everyday.  

The basement was my worst nightmare!

2 teenage boys + friends = Are you freaking kidding me!

 After he left, Todd and I cleaned it up, painted the walls with a fresh coat, shampooed the carpets and a whole lot more!

 The dinning table was one my grandfather refinished and gave to us as a wedding gift.  

We can actually sit and play card games with our friends!

Ahhhh.... the simple things in life.

 This was Zach's room.  It literally took me two weeks to gut it!

Now he has a nice, clean room to come home to.

=D

Choosing a College

As many high school seniors, Brandon has been applying to colleges.   This is one of the toughest decisions that a teenager must make. One that will affect the rest of his life. 

I doubt there will be a clear cut 'yes' when it comes to making his college decision.  I'm sure he will question whether he is making the right decision or not.  I fear that any doubt in his decision process will increases his stress and anxiety. It's a huge commitment.  

We toured both big and small colleges/universities. Both offer advantages and disadvantages, depending upon your personality.  Brandon is a very social person. I believe that he would do well in a large university.  However, he surprised me when he expressed interest in a smaller, private college.

MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY

(Brandon's grandfather attended)

 LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE

(Brandon's uncle attended)

ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE

(Brandon's hockey coach/English teacher and Sociology teacher attended)

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY

(Brandon's favorite).

It was exciting to receive the first acceptance letters!

We are all waiting on pins and needles for a few more before Brandon decides which is the right fit.

Zachary's Half-Time Show

There was a time when the Philadelphia Eagles were Zachary's favorite football team.

Super Bowls are a big deal at our house. 

Especially in 2005 when the Eagles made it to the big game!

 During half time Zachary put on his own show by using his sneaker as a football.

Unfortunately both Zachary and the Eagles Quarterback, 

Donovan McNabb couldn't get the job done!

Zach lost his shoe.

The Eagles lost the Super Bowl.

 Zachary gave up on the Eagles and now likes the Denver Bronco's.  The Bronco's made it to the Super Bowl once since Zachary started following them, but they lost too.  

This time, however, he didn't give up on the Bronco's and every year looks forward to his team possibly participating in the Super Bowl!!

Ringing in the New Year

I want to wish a Happy New Year to all my old friends I've known for years. My new friends I just met in 2014. My blogger and facebook friends who I have never met but are friends nonetheless. I hope 2015 is a great year for all of you and all the world around you! 

Cheers!